A few of Montana’s most economically disadvantaged schools will get the chance to enhance students’ education thanks to big grants from Apple.

Apple announced recently that Browning Middle School, Box Elder Elementary School and Two Eagle River School in Pablo will receive multiple Apple products — including iPads, MacBooks, AppleTVs and more — after being selected as the state’s grant recipients as Part of President Barack Obama’s “ConnectED” grant initiative.

Julie Hayes, principal at Browning Middle School, and Mark Irvin, principal in Box Elder, said they don’t yet know the specifics of how many items they’re slated to receive. They just know it’s going to bring the schools closer to a one computer or table to one student ratio.

“For us, it can be a game-changer,” Irvin said.

Not only will the schools receive the technology along with curriculum to be used with the devices, but teachers will also be granted the opportunity to do some professional development and possibly increase the wireless capacity at each of the schools.

In communities with a high poverty rate — 100 percent of students in both schools qualify for free and reduced meals — increasing access to technology helps level the playing field.

“Unless we increase technology in the schools, they’re not going to develop the skills they need to go out into the world,” Hayes said. “I hope it makes a real positive difference.”

Irvin said he’s elated to know the technology isn’t just being “dumped” in the lap of the teachers. There will be opportunities available to learn how best to use the equipment.

“What I really like about this grant is that it’s not only filling your toolbox, but gives you the blueprints on how to do it,” he said. “It opens up opportunity. It’s a comprehensive solution for every teacher and student.”

Apple’s education website states they’re partnering with other businesses to make these grants successful for all schools.

“We believe that the young minds and young innovators of tomorrow should have every opportunity to realize their potential through today’s powerful learning tools,” the Apple website reads. “It’s important to us that our contribution to ConnectED makes a difference for students and communities who need it the most.”

Apple reports that it has chosen to support schools where at least 96 percent of the students are eligible for the free or reduced-price meal plans. It plans to support 114 schools in 29 different states, with 92 percent of the students with 92 percent of students from Native American, African American, Hispanic, Asian and other heritages.

“Despite their economic challenges, these schools share a vision of what their students’ lives would be like with Apple technology,” the website states.